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October 01, 2009
October Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
Back in August, my neighbor decorated her front yard for Autumn and Halloween. Now the rest of us are beginning to catch up with her. Sometime during this month I will be displaying “Charlie” my 35 year old ceramic jack-o-lantern. There are many events and activities crying out for our attention during this month. There will be harvest festivals in some nearby towns. West Lafayette’s own “Feast of the Hunters’ Moon” will be held to remind us of the French influence in our vicinity a few hundred years ago. On October 12th Columbus Day will be observed. Much has been truly said in favor of and against the incursions by Europeans into the Americas, but for better or for worse, it is our heritage since most of our ancestors came from Europe.
For American Christians it is important to remember that the coming of the Europeans into the Americas also marked the arrival of Christianity to these continents. October should be a time for us to remember and honor those missionaries who worked tirelessly to bring the message of the good news about Jesus to natives who were in many cases worshipping “great spirits” and other divinities. Some of those missionaries also preached that the native populations needed to be treated with respect and care as God’s children. Those were not always popular sentiments in certain times and places, and we need to remember the parable of the Good Samaritan and respect and help our neighbors regardless of their Religion or the lack thereof.
Because of Halloween’s focus on ghosts and evil spirits, October is also a good time to think about what the current post-modern quest for “spirituality” means. Let me warn you, it does not always mean what we Christians think it means. When we hear the term “spirit” we think of the Holy Spirit, but many who are involved in the current searches for spirituality are not Christians, and some of the “disciplines” that come out of these quests are not specifically Christian (some might even be counter- or anti-Christian. Some of these aids have their roots in some of the Eastern religions. So listen carefully and critically when others talk to you about their “spiritual quests” and always be prepared to share the specifically Christian details of your faith and spiritual journey.
October is also a time for us to celebrate our Reformed Protestant Christianity. It was on October 31st that Luther unknowingly started the reformation by posting his ninety-five theses. The protestant doctrines of forgiveness and grace have given us great freedoms from fear and wonderful confidence of our Salvation, things for which we ought to be grateful this October.
As we enter into October we need to remember our friends who are still recovering from things that happened to them during September. Margaret and John Rogler lost their Son Jay during September. Carol Greafnitz lost her brother Jimmy Brand during September. And Terry Stewart’s mother Mary Stewart passed away on September 23rd. I know you join me in praying for these folks as they have suffered great losses.
We also need to pray for Margaret Rogler as she recovers from heart surgery.
I hope that you will have some time during October to enjoy all of the autumn activities and the beautiful sights of Autumn. And I pray that I will see you often at Worship this month.
May God continue to bless all of you and keep you safe but bold in a world that is increasingly not ruled by the precepts of our Faith.
Your Pastor,
Dave Horner
Worship Information
Sunday, October 4th Sermon: “The Sheep of many Folds, the Shepherd”
John 10: 14 – 18
World Communion
Sunday, October 11th Sermon: “The Sabbath Rest”
Hebrews 4: 8 – 16
Sunday, October 18th Sermon: “Our High Priest”
Hebrews 5: 1 – 10
Sunday, October 25th Sermon: “We Are Priests”
I Peter 2: 4 - 12
Clerk's Corner
At its September 1, 2009 meeting the Session took the following actions:
• In the absence of Pastor Horner the Session received on oral report from Elder Don Gentry concerning the summary of replies received from Session members to a questionnaire supplied by the Presbytery of Wabash Valley on the One Year Assessment of Ministry by Pastor Horner. He noted the very favorable assessment, in the replies, of Pastor Horner’s performance.
• Voted to appoint Elder Toebes as a Commissioner to the upcoming meeting of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
• Was informed of the activities by Pastor Horner for August 2009, as summarized in a written document
• Accepted the financial report by Treasurer Carol Gentry for August 2009 and voted favorably on a motion to transfer funds from support of the baseball team to the general fund. Income and expenditures are approximately in balance
• Heard a report from Elder Matthews concerning the upcoming resurfacing of the church parking lots and voted in favor of spending up to $ 5,600 for this purpose
• Reviewed the activities of the Youth Program for 2009/2010
• Heard about finalization of plans for the first Monday Evening Miniseries event on September 14, 2009
• Named Elders McKinnis and Hem as co-chairs for the Nominating Committee for the Year 2010 and set November 22, 2009 as the date for the Annual Congregational Meeting, following Sunday services
• Took note of plans to call on Becky Chapman and Elder Dunn for a revision of the current format of the Sunday Bulletins
• Was informed that the Clerk is sending out for review by Session members the listing of all individuals who are currently shown as members or inactive members on the membership roster of Faith Church
• Set October 6, 2009 as the next Session meeting.
It is my sad duty to report on the deaths of Gerda Kohnke, a long-time member of Faith Church, on August 9, 2009; of James Bosler, a charter member of Faith Church, on August 23, 2009; of John (Jay) Rogler, son of John and Margaret Rogler, on August 29, 2009; and of James Brand, brother of Carol Graefnitz, on September 6, 2009.
The Buttinger/Rhymer and Sparks/Ward wedding ceremonies took place in the sanctuary of Faith Church on August 8 and 9, 2009, respectively.
Submitted by
J.M. Honig
Clerk of Session
Did You Know?
Of course we all know that school is in session. Any kind of school. Kindergarten, Purdue University, local elementary, junior high and high schools, and our very own Sunday school. Have you learned anything new lately? (An inquiry, not a criticism.)
Returning to a familiar topic, the latest wedding was another wonderful experience with a lovely bride and a charming groom. Erin Sparks and Cameron Ward tied the knot in a beautiful service – and a spectacular reception party. Best wishes to all the brides and grooms who were wed this summer …
You might have noticed that John and Ginny Shively were missing on a particular Sunday in August. And you would never guess where they were: In China, watching a unique eclipse of the sun or moon or both. Ask John about it.
We were saddened to say goodbye to three men associates with our church family: long-time member Jim Bosler; Jay Rogler, son of Margaret and John, and Jim Brand, brother of Carol Graefnitz. Our sympathy and prayers continue to their families, friends and loved ones.
Purdue University has signed on an excellent person to assist in their United Way Campaign – Lois Wark represents the Purdue University Retirees Association.
Fellowship time was special on Sunday, September 20 as early coffee drinkers were able to enjoy excellent treats—banana, blueberry and pumpkin bread— baked by our own Sawyer Latour. Thank you, Sawyer!
Previously, in order to read constituent parts of the world’s oldest manuscript of the Bible, you’d need to travel to the British Library in London, the University Library in Leipzig, the National Library of Russia in St. Petersburg, and the ancient monastery of St. Catherine on the slopes of Mount Sinai, the Bible’s original home. However, the manuscripts have recently been “reunited” in cyberspace. Google: Codex Sinaiticus and take a look. Absolutely fascinating!
Ladies, if you haven’t yet made a commitment to The Mitford Tea, dust off your hat, call a friend or two and mark the date, Sunday, October 4. There’s always something special happening at The Mitford Tea that you don’t want to miss.
Make a telephone call today to someone you haven’t seen at church for a while.
Your correspondent,
N. Dunn
Annual Mitford Tea
Sunday, October 4,
2:30pm – 4:30pm
The ladies of Faith Church are invited to a wonderful time of fellowship and dainty food.
The theme of this year’s Tea is AUTUMN. Would you, or you and a friend, like to decorate a table? The Fall season includes quite a few different subjects to choose from. Table cloths and silverware are available, if needed.
Of course you may sign up also for fancy sandwiches and dainty sweets. YOU WILL FIND SIGN-UP SHEETS IN THE NARTHEX.
Our Small Mission Project will benefit the Women’s Shelter, which is in need of bus tokens, so women can go and apply for jobs. Money will be collected for that purpose.
Our own Diane Horner will participate in the program. Come, bring a friend; hats and gloves are optional!
QUESTIONS? Talk to Jan Hem, Joanne Kovacs, Nancy Dunn or Grieke Toebes
Thank You
Thank you to all who have prayed so faithfully for my brother, Jim Brand, over the past few years.
I also want to thank everyone who contributed so generously the refreshments for my family following Jim's funeral last Friday. Everything was deliciously and enjoyed by Jim's family.
A special thanks to all the ladies who set up, served, and then cleaned up after us.
I greatly appreciate all that was done for our family.
Carol Graefnitz
A Note from the Tanner's
I wanted to let everyone know that the money the church raised has finally been matched by the rotary here in El Salvador. Since the rotary is matching the donation 50%, we will be receiving almost $3,000 worth of books! The rotary will be visiting our village this Saturday to bring the first books as well as congratulate us on our future library. We will be receiving the books slowly over the next few months. Our library will be complete in January. We are deeply grateful for your help in founding this library. We will be sure to send pictures when it is finished.
Saludos,
Melissa Tanner
Flowers for the Sanctuary
Summer is coming to an end, the supply of garden flowers to beautify the sanctuary is dwindling quickly.
The flower chart in the Narthex does not seem to work very well, so we are looking at a new approach. We would like to call you and sign you up for a particular Sunday to bring flowers, and then notify you the week before to remind you.
Our life is full of occasions to thank God for His many gifts, and providing flowers to remember loved ones and celebrate birthdays or anniversaries is one of the many ways we can show our gratitude for this goodness. No one will be asked to bring flowers during December when the poinsettias are in the sanctuary.
Thank you for your willingness to help in this way.
Grieke Toebes
Worship & Music Committee
Coming Soon To A Fellowship Hall Near You.....Again!
In the near future, the Faith Church Library Bookmobile will begin its rounds to our fellowship hall. A rotating selection of books will be on display and will be available to check out. These books may be returned to the Children's Library Return basket. Requests will also be taken--either for specific books or for topics of interest.
Many thanks to Bert & Becky Chapman, Kathy Bowker and Karen Gilliom. They have been ushers for the whole month of September.
Meaningful Monday Miniseries
The night, Monday, October 19, will begin with a free dinner at 6:00pm followed by three separate activities: an interesting presentation for adults, a kid’s program, and childcare for those too young to enjoy the other activities. The programming will begin at 7:00pm and be finished by 8:00pm.
The title of the presentation is:
Family Mealtime: Connecting Families with Food
The presenter is:
Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RD
Director, Promoting Family Meals Project
Purdue University
More details:
Families today lead busy lives and are constantly on the go. The family meal is consequently becoming a thing of the past for many families. How often do today’s families eat together? Do family meals matter? What are the benefits of eating meals together? Come learn what mealtime can do for children and families. Make plans to get your family back to the table.
Don’t forget to bring a friend!!
Birthdays
October 2 Amanda Bosler
October 3 Nathan Parker
October 4 Trent Tyler
October 5 Stan Hem
October 5 Shirley Bosler
October 6 Matthew Stith
October 8 Sarah Wilcoxson
October 9 Lola Miller
October 10 Chase Kirby
October 14 Matthew Kain
October 16 Nicholas Anderson
October 16 Barbara Wiggs
October 19 Peggy Housley
October 19 Kris Stith
October 21 Jerry Matthews
October 23 Hannah Old
October 24 Bonnie Robertson
October 25 Lois Wark
October 27 Bethany Lockwood
October 29 Barbara Knox
October 31 Aaron Sandel
Community Worship Services
• Sun., Oct. 4 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., Oct. 11 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., Oct. 11 Friendship House 3:00pm
• Sun., Oct. 18 No Cumberland Point
• Sun., Oct. 25 Rosewalk Commons 2:30pm
The Deacons invite you to become a part of this ministry
Schedule Information
You can contact Pastor Horner by calling the office, 743-3683, on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pastor Horner's day off is Friday. Outside of office hours please feel free to call Pastor Horner at home at 807-7000.
Worship With Us
We invite you to join in the worship of God each Sunday morning at 9:30am and each Wednesday morning at 7:00am. We also invite you to participate in the prayers, fellowship, work and activities of this church.
For more information about this opportunity to be involved at Faith Presbyterian Church, please call or talk to any member of Session, Pastor Horner or call the church office at 743-3683.
Posted by faithpres at October 1, 2009 09:12 AM